8 essentials for family road trips

Jodi Lai, for Postmedia News06.29.2011

Whether you're off on a post-exams, right-of-passage getaway of your dreams, or settling in for a long-haul cross-Canada tour with the kids, the items on our list will not just help you survive the hours on the road, they'll help you enjoy them.

Jodi Lai
/ for Postmedia News

8. THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT

An iPhone or iPod Touch is an undeniably valuable back seat entertainment device, but for the data geek (or the coin-conscious driver) the practical and cheap Road Trip app can provide something more precious: statistics. With a user-friendly interface, this app helps you keep an eye on your automotive vitals: it easily tracks your fuel economy, maintenance and repair expenses, distances travelled and, for future number crunching, exports your logs into Excel or OpenOffice spreadsheets. $4.99 at the Apple App StoreHandout photo
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7. KICK BACK AND RELAX

If you're not ready to drop the dough for noise-cancelling headphones, try a cheaper escape. If the driver du jour is in need of some down time, let her kick back in the passenger seat while the Bucky Eye Shades tackle both sun and sound. This super-soft mask is 100-per-cent light-blocking, and - bonus! - it comes with earplugs that store conveniently in a handy pocket. $19.95 at bucky.comHandout photo
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6. SLICE, DICE, TOSS

Made from potato starch, these biodegradable knives, forks and spoons are perfect for messy roadside snacks or a picturesque picnic. The plastic-like flatware can be carefully washed and reused, or simply tossed in the compost where it will decompose alongside your eggshells and banana peels. These Earth-positive utensils offer convenience without weighing on your eco-friendly conscience. $12.99 at ChaptersHandout photo
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5. DINER'S CHOICE

Small enough for each passenger to have their own, the PackIt Personal Cooler eliminates the need for bulky, plastic food storage and allows each traveller convenient reach to their choice cuisine.
Every cooler is PVC-free and has an eco-gel liner that keeps your contents chilly for up to 10 hours, eliminating the need for ice packs. Fold it and store it in the freezer overnight, then load your colourful PackIt for easy access to eats on the road.
$24.99, find distributors at www.packitcool.com.Handout photo
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3. TODDLER TEMPTATIONS

For toddlers whose attention is not long kept with a portable DVD player, there is the Snack and Play Travel Tray.
The device straps around the child's car seat, has a foam insert that collapses on impact and comes equipped with a padded rim to keep toys contained and off the floor. Store snacks and sippy cups in the side mesh pockets and children can serve themselves.
$19.99 at totsonthego.comHandout photo
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4. ROAD GRILL

Lacklustre highway diners and uninspired fast-food joints can quickly take the spice out of any road trip.
So you'll be the envy of every sucker with a service station sandwich when you pull out your open-flame, compact grill at the next scenic viewpoint. Coleman's RoadTrip LXE Portable Propane BBQ has a 285-square-inch cooking surface, weighs in at a measly 52 pounds, and folds up for simple storage. Serve up a perfectly seared strip loin or T-bone wherever you are. $299.99 at Canadian TireHandout photo
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2. SOUNDS OF SILENCE

Family road trips are as classic as apple pie; unfortunately, so is back-seat fighting, blaring dreadful music, and constant rest stop queries. If this sounds all too familiar, maybe it's time to invest in some deafening silence. With Bose QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones, you won't just feel like you're listening to your favourite musician live, you'll be the only one in the audience. They're not easy on the wallet, but maybe it's time to ask yourself: what price would I pay for a little peace and quiet? $349.99 at Future Shop and Best Buy (not recommended for drivers)Handout photo
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1. UNDER THE I, ICE CREAM

Put away the Gameboy and pull out this simple time-waster for some old-fashioned fun. Compete against your fellow travellers as you search for roadside objects such as traffic cones, satellite dishes and billboards, using 12 reusable bingo boards with punch-through icons. Following the rules on the back of the package is a must: when someone yells "BINGO!" stop for ice cream. $8.99 at ChaptersHandout photo
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I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.